The Police has this morning Tuesday, 22nd December, 2015, at around 9:30 am, arrested a total of sixteen suspects, for their alleged involvement and connectivity to the violent beating of victims, during an electoral event in Ntungamo district. Three of the suspects namely; Kabali Frank, Mayinja Eriya and Kasajja Abdallah were picked among 20 other people that were gathered outside the home of Hon. John Patrick Amama Mbabazi, after their description matched that of the victims.
In addition, 13 other suspects were picked from their office premises in Nakasero, on surveilled intelligence, after they resurfaced today, since their disappearance on the 13th December, 2015. The suspects arrested included; Onzima Ramathan, Mugabi Lawrence, Sebatendera George, Semakula Asad, Hajj Jamilu Mutebi, Ndugga Musaazi Rogers, Turyamureeba Ben, Tukwatanise Asaph, Ddumba David, Mbejja Yawori Ezekiel, Sewanyana Ibra, Matovu Mohammed and Kyazze Samuel. One other suspect called Zephania Batemyeto was arrested yesterday, thus bringing the total number of suspects to seventeen (17).
Police spokesperson Fred Enanga says all the suspects were interviewed and their statements recorded, at the Special Investigations Division, Kireka, Kampala, where eleven, admitted participation in the violent beatings and ugly incidents of assault in Ntungamo. Arrangements are in place to have them transferred for further management and probable arraignment in court in Ntungamo.
It should be noted that seven victims, who suffered injuries of assault occasioning bodily harm, and one victim of grievous bodily harm, reported at Ntungamo Police station, that a group of men, believed to be supporters of the Go Forward, aggressively assaulted them, including the use of sticks and other weapons. The Police instituted inquiries and made significant progress, upon reviewing video footages, depicting the violent assault, in addition to the specific accounts from the respective victims and eye witnesses.
So far, 6 suspects that included; Amanya Sulait, Kumwesiga Boaz, Kamwesigye Hamidu, Sekeba Alex, Muhangi Robson and Asingwire Apollo have been charged at Ntungamo Grade 1 Magistrate's Court, with 5 counts of assault occasioning bodily harm and 1 count of assault occasioning grievous harm. The Police have not fully exhausted its leads in this case, and is still actively tracking other suspects, allegedly connected to the ugly assault, including a one Aine Christopher, who is still at large.
It is against this background, therefore, that we would like to call upon all candidates and representatives of political parties, as prospective leaders, to refrain from the use of language or actions that risk inciting violence. They are further, encouraged to caution their supporters to exercise restraint and immediately report any cases of persons violating the law, to the police, on toll free number: 0800100912
“The Police remain steadfast in our commitment to foster a safe and enjoyable political environment, for each and every one, and will, therefore, not tolerate acts of political violence to destabilize the peaceful management of elections, and the prevailing peace and security of all Ugandans and visitors.” Says Enanga
